Pune, one of the most important cities of southern India, also serves as the southern headquarters of the India Army. It holds the distinction of being the ‘Oxford and Cambridge of India’, a title bestowed upon it by Jawaharlal Nehru. And true to its name, Pune is host to some premier educational institutes. The city is nestled between the rivers the Mula and the Mutha and draws thousands of students, working professionals and tourists. It was once the capital of the Bhonsle Marathas.
Things to do in Pune
Once you are in Pune, head to the Shaniwar Wada Fort to experience a glimpse of Maratha history. This fort was founded by Peshwa Baji Rao I and the Marathas made a stand in this fort during the Anglo Maratha wars. This is where the film Baji Rao Mastani was shot.
You will not be able to drink in the essence of Pune unless you try out the city’s famous tandoori tea in Kharadi. You can take a tour of the Osho Ashram and the Aga Khan Palace. Another way to experience the city is through food walks and heritage walks.
Tourist attractions in Pune
Tourists in Pune have a whirlwind time. Here are a few tourist attractions that must feature in your itinerary - the Khadakwasla Dam, the famous German Bakery, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Pashan Lake, Parvati Hill, Lohagad Fort, Karla Caves, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Sinhagad Fort and Koregaon Park.
Places to shop in Pune
Both casual shoppers and shopaholics will have a whale of a time in Pune, thanks to its myriad shopping zones. Fergusson College Road and Hong Kong Lane will dazzle you with an extensive array of clothes, accessories and jewellery. You must also check out Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar for delectable sweets, Laxmi Road for clothes, Mahatma Phule Mandai for fruits and vegetables, Fashion Street for western clothes, Koregaon Park for Osho merchandise, Juna Bazaar for artefacts and antiques, Clover Centre for branded clothes, Tulsi Baug for jewellery and Bajirao Road for interior decoration.
Best time to visit Pune
Plan your trip in winters because this is when Pune’s weather is pleasant. Moreover, the Sawai Gandharva Sangeeth Mahotsav is hosted in Pune during the winter season and you will get the chance to attend it.
Modes of transport in Pune
Travelling in and about Pune is easy, thanks to the city’s plethora of buses, trains, taxis, auto-rickshaws, rented cars and metro; all of which ply on major arterial routes. You can even access Pune’s suburban areas by trains. Also, there are app cabs just a tap on your phone away.
Weather in Pune
Summers in Pune may be quite hot and sultry. The temperature hovers around 32 degrees Celsius. Winters are cool and the minimum temperature reaches 11 degrees Celsius. Monsoons arrive in the middle of June, and Pune records heavy rainfall.
Airport in Pune
The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje International Airport (IATA: PNQ) is one of the busiest airports in the country, and regular domestic and international flights are operated by IndiGo from this airport.
